Three Things to Know
Past research on dog ownership and mental health has yielded inconsistent findings, with some studies reporting positive effects, others negative, and some showing no significant impact. This study aimed to address these inconsistencies by employing a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data.
The quantitative results were nuanced. While closer dog-owner relationships were associated with increased emotional support and companionship, they did not always translate to lower anxiety or depression scores. Furthermore, owner characteristics, such as age, marital status, employment, and pre-existing mental health conditions, significantly influenced the impact of dog ownership on well-being.
Qualitative data provided crucial insights into these mixed findings. While dogs bring joy and purpose into owners’ lives, challenges such as behavioral issues, concerns about providing adequate care, and anxieties surrounding the dog’s well-being, including anticipatory grief, can also significantly impact owners’ mental health.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners:
This study underscores the highly individualized nature of the dog ownership experience. Factors such as age, mental health status, and personal circumstances significantly influence the impact of dog ownership on an individual’s well-being. While we cannot alter these personal factors, dog welfare advocates can play a crucial role by:
- Setting realistic expectations: Providing potential owners with realistic information about the time, financial, and emotional commitments involved in dog ownership.
- Emphasizing owner agency: Highlighting the importance of active engagement with their dog, such as regular exercise, quality playtime, and training, in shaping a positive and fulfilling relationship.
Furthermore, dog welfare advocates can mitigate feelings of guilt and anxiety by:
- Providing accessible support networks: Offering affordable veterinary care, accessible training services, and pet-friendly housing options.
- Implementing safety nets: Supporting initiatives like Cinnamon Trust’s free dog walking services for the elderly and Dogs Trust’s Canine Care Card program, which address concerns about long-term care and end-of-life planning.
These measures can help ensure that the emotional and physical rewards of dog ownership are accessible and sustainable for all owners.
The Full Picture
Research on pet ownership and mental health presents a mixed picture. While animal interaction generally benefits well-being, studies on dog ownership show varying results. Some owners report increased anxiety or depression, especially when their dogs exhibit problematic behaviors. Conversely, individuals with PTSD or treatment-resistant depression often experience mental health improvements with companion animals. Dog ownership can reduce loneliness and improve long-term mental health outcomes, but the quality of the owner-dog relationship significantly influences these effects.
This study, titled “Dogs and the Good Life,” aims to:
- Investigate the link between the strength and the dog-owner bond and owner mental well-being.
- Explore how specific aspects of this relationship positively or negatively impact mental health.
- Gain a deeper understanding of these interactions through an inductive approach.
Study Methods
This study surveyed dog owners residing in the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited via social media platforms and completed an anonymous online survey from December, 2017, to February, 2018.
The survey included:
- Dog-related information: Including demographics, acquisition reasons, and focusing on the dog with whom the owner felt the closest emotional bond.
- Dog-owner relationship assessment: Employing the Monash Dog-Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) to measure pet-owner interaction, emotional closeness, and perceived costs.
- Owner health assessment: Including self-reported general health, and specific measures for anxiety, depression, emotional support, and companionship using PROMIS short forms. Open-ended questions explored how dog ownership impacted mental health and the challenges associated with dog care.
- Additional information: Including mental health diagnoses, physical disabilities, and physical activity levels (particularly dog-related activities).
- Owner demographic information: Including age, gender, and other relevant socio-demographic factors.
Study Results
The final analysis included 1,693 survey responses. The typical respondent was a female aged 25-45, married, living with one other person, childless, overweight, employed, holding a bachelor’s degree, and without a history of mental health diagnoses or physical disabilities. The typical dog was neutered, medium-sized, aged 1-4 years, of normal weight, had unrestricted access to the home, and was primarily cared for by the participant.
Quantitative Survey Findings
The results found that the relationship between dog ownership and mental health is complex and nuanced:
- Emotional closeness: A stronger emotional bond with a dog was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.
- Pet-owner interaction: More frequent interaction with a dog was linked to higher levels of depression.
- Perceived burden: Owners who perceived a lower burden from dog ownership reported better mental health outcomes across anxiety, depression, emotional support, and companionship.
- Overall relationship quality: A closer dog-owner relationship was associated with greater feelings of emotional support and companionship.
These findings suggest that while dog ownership can offer mental health benefits, the quality and nature of the owner-dog relationship play a crucial role. While closer dog-owner relationships were linked to increased emotional support and companionship, they did not always translate to lower anxiety or depression scores. Qualitative data offers valuable insights into this nuanced relationship.
The Positives of Dog Ownership
Dog ownership significantly enhances both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being.
- Hedonic well-being: Dogs bring joy and pleasure into owners’ lives.
- Eudaimonic well-being: Dogs foster a sense of purpose, motivating owners to establish routines, prioritize self-care, and engage in outdoor activities like walking.
These activities contribute to personal growth, a sense of mastery over their environment, and opportunities for positive social interactions, particularly through dog walks and interactions with other dog owners.
Importantly, some participants reported that their dogs played a crucial role in overcoming significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
The Negatives of Dog Ownership
However, the study also identified challenges that can diminish perceived happiness. Meeting a dog’s needs, including exercise, care during illness, and addressing behavioral issues, can be demanding, requiring significant time and resources. This can lead to stress, guilt, and feelings of inadequacy, particularly when owners feel they are falling short of their responsibilities. Concerns about the dog’s well-being, safety, and future, including anticipatory grief and the potential impact of their own absence on the dog, can also significantly impact owners’ mental health.
Impact of Owner Characteristics
Owner characteristics, such as age, marital status, employment, and existing mental health conditions, significantly influenced the impact of dog ownership on owner well-being. This highlights the individualized nature of the dog-owner relationship and suggests that the benefits and challenges of dog ownership vary greatly across individuals. For some, the demands of dog ownership can exacerbate existing mental health struggles, outweighing the potential benefits.
Conclusion
While dog ownership enriched many owners’ lives, the demands of pet care could sometimes strain owners’ well-being, particularly when they struggled to meet their dog’s needs or maintain a healthy work-life balance. These findings align with previous research demonstrating mixed associations between dog ownership and mental health.
Despite the challenges, many participants considered dog ownership to be ultimately worthwhile. To foster healthier dog-owner relationships and enhance owner well-being, the study recommends implementing supportive measures such as affordable veterinary care, accessible training and walking services, pet-friendly housing, and mental health resources for individuals dealing with grief and loss. These supports are crucial for ensuring that the emotional and physical rewards of dog ownership remain accessible and sustainable for all owners.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2022
External Link:
Merkouri A, Graham TM, O’Haire ME, Purewal R and Westgarth C (2022) Dogs and the Good Life: A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association Between the Dog–Owner Relationship and Owner Mental Wellbeing. Front. Psychol. 13:903647. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.903647